Japan vs Italy Prediction & Betting Tips - Nations League

Prediction published on 13/07/2026, 07:17  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 21/07/2026 at 06:36 in Nations League Predictions

One of the standout fixtures in Week 3 of the 2026 FIVB Nations League Volleyball will see Japan taking on Italy on Wednesday morning. While Ryujin Nippon are unbeaten, they have dropped two sets in each of their last three matches, which sees us leaning toward the points market here for our main prediction. 

Japan have been the best team at the 2026 Nations League across the first two weeks, as they are the only nation with a perfect record of eight wins in eight matches coming into Week 3. 

While there have been several key contributors for Ryujin Nippon in this competition, Ran Takashi has been the standout performer, currently third in the leading scorer standings with 159 points. 

Japan are riding a nine-match win streak across all competitions, but this is a stern test for them, as they have lost four of their last five matches against this opponent. 

Meanwhile, Italy enter Week 3 of the VNL with momentum after racking up three wins in their final three games of the second week. They are now sixth in the standings with five wins in eight games. 

Mattia Bottolo is the only player from Gli Azzurri to surpass 100 points in this competition (109). Luca Porro and Allesandro Bovolenta follow Bottolo with 79 and 77 points, respectively. 

Italy have won seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions, which includes a 3-1 victory over Argentina in an international friendly last week.